Bunlahy

13 Sept 2014

0

The late Richard Monahan

The late Richard Monahan

On Friday evening last, August 29th, we were all shocked and saddened when the news became known that Richard Monahan of Muckerstaff had passed to his eternal reward in the regional hospital in Tullamore. Richard had been in failing health for some time but his death came as a devastating blow to his family and many friends. Richard was only son of the late Dick and Kathleen Monahan (nee McGivney) of Muckerstaff and he was beloved husband of Mary (nee Quinn) and dear father of Vincent, Aidan, Dermot, Bernie, Pauline and Marie. Richard was one of natures true gentlemen who was known and respected far and wide and he will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Over the years Richard worked very hard, be it cutting silage, doing a group water scheme or building a new road and his belief was that if a job was worth doing it must be done right and indeed the main street in Granard is but one example of his great work. Richard was a great family man and Mary and the children always came first and as the years passed his grandchildren became his pride and joy. Just over a year ago, his daughter Pauline’s husband, Benny McGahern passed away following a long illness and it was very evident the hurt that this caused Richard and we have no doubt but that he was a huge support to her and her young family. For a long number of years, Richard and the Monahan family provided great employment and all employees were treated of the very best and looked after real well. As a neighbour and community man, Richard was one of the best as he was involved in everything that was for the betterment of the Parish, the church and community. Richard had a great faith and a special devotion to Our Blessed Lady and made several trips to Lourdes and indeed had just returned from there a week before his unexpected death. Richard loved the game of football and was a very loyal supporter of both Ballymore and St. Mary’s clubs and how delighted he would be now that Mary’s native parish of Killoe are doing well in the championship. Richard’s remains reposed in the family home from Saturday evening until Sunday evening and great crowds of friends and neighbours passed through to bid a fond farewell to a lovely, kind, honest and decent man and to support the family. Removal was to his beloved St. Mary’s in Granard and as the hearse made it’s way up the hill it was flanked by a guard of honour from the local football club Ballymore, Clonfin commemoration committee and the turf cutters association of which he was a valued member. Richard’s funeral Mass was at midday on Monday and like at his removal the church was packed to overflowing and as he made his final journey to Granardkille, the hearse was flanked by a guard of honour from the Ploughing Association. On a personal note, Richard was a great friend who I will miss so much, the long phone calls, the meetings in McElvaney’s on a Saturday night, the warm welcome in his home and the lovely greeting of ‘How are you now’ and indeed the few bits of slagging and banter with the lads are now all gone but the lovely memories will last for ever. May you rest in peace Richard, now that your struggle and worries are over and may your wife Mary and family, Vincent, Bernie, Pauline, Aidan, Dermot and Marie, your grandchildren and extended family be comforted at this very sad time.

Ballymore Ladies

Ballymore ladies football club would like to thank most sincerely the Ballymore Mens Development committee for their very generous donation from the recent Barbeque at McElvaney’s. Many thanks to the three Chefs on the night, John Joe, Gary and James. We really appreciate this help to our Club as we prepare for our Senior Championship final against Killoe on Saturday 13th. September in Pearse Park. We are currently looking for sponsorship and would appreciate any contributions to help us prepare for this final when the ladies will endeavour to bring the cup back to Ballymore and hope all our supporters will turn out on the 13th. to cheer on the girls. We also encourage all to get behind the girls and put out your flags and buntings. Many thanks again to the Ballymore Development Committee.

Coffee morning

A coffee morning in aid of Longford Hospice will be held in the Resource Centre, Granard on Thursday, 18th September from 10am to 1pm and again in McElvayey’s, Coolarty from 7pm to 10pm. Mary McNerney and her team of helpers will be your hosts, so come along, enjoy a cuppa and support the local hospice.

Charity Cycle

A charity cycle in aid of the Irish Cancer Society will be held on Sunday, 21st September 2014 starting at 9 30am from McElvayey’s, Pub, Coolarty. More details next week. Contact Brendan Reilly 087-9263433.

Whist

On Tuesday night next, September 16th, a whist drive will be held in the Community Centre in Granard with all proceeds going to the Irish Guide Dogs association. The first game will be at 9pm and your generous support will be greatly appreciated.

Birthday greetings

Best wishes for many more birthday celebrations to Mrs Katie Brennan, Carttronmarkey who celebrated her 101st birthday on Monday, September 8th last. We join with your family and many friends in wishing you continued good health.

New baby

Congratulations to James and Charlotte Kearney, Toneywarden on the birth of their fourth child, a boy to be named Sean and a welcome brother for Tom, Elizabeth and James and grandson for Owen and Marie.

Local honey

Granard country markets continue every Friday morning from 8-30 to 11am at Upper Main Street and they now have local honey in stock along with beautiful fresh fruit and veg and crafts, baking and firewood etc.

Ballymore draw

Ballymore club held their monthly draw on Friday night last and Martin Clyne won the first prize of one thousand euro while Breda and Pauric Corcoran, Michael and Bernie Kearney and Pat Lynch won one hundred euro each. In the July draw - Phil Brady won the one thousand euro and Paul and Claire Belton, Vinny Walker won one hundred euro each. Next draw at the end of September.

Granard Visitor Centre

Our re-scheduled public meeting will take place on Monday evening next, September 15th in the Community Centre at 9pm The monthly draw for August will be held on the night and all are welcome to attend. We have recently received contracts for the purchase of the property, so we hope to complete this phase of the project shortly.

If you wish, you can contact us using any of the methods below: Longford Leader,Leader House,Dublin Road, Co LongfordEmail: newsroom@longfordleader.ieTelephone: 043 3345241

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